Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Thornthwaite
DSO MC MiD CdeG (Fr)
1st Battery 1st Field Artillery Brigade AIF
1st Divisional Artillery AIF
5th Divisional Artillery AIF
15th Field Artillery Brigade AIF
12th (Army) Field Artillery Brigade AIF
General Staff WW2
by Robert Simpson
Francis Thornthwaite was born on 3rd February 1890 at Launceston Tasmania. He was a child to William Wright Thornthwaite and Frances Mary Stackhouse. William had been born on 16th June 1861 in Manchester and baptised on 10th October 1861 in the Cathedral in Manchester, as a son of William Neale and Jane Thornthwaite. His father was a manufacturer in Manchester. In the 1871 census, William was living with his mother (she was listed as an Annuitant) and sister at her mother’s house. It is possible he came to Australia in 1880, as a Mr W Thornthwaite applied for a passport in England in May 1880 and a Mr W Thornthwaite arrived in Victoria on the Bangalore in June 1880. He is not in the 1881 English census. William married Frances at St John’s Church in Launceston on 6th January 1885. Frances had been born on 17th May 1851 in Woolmer’s Estate in Longford Tasmania. She came from a well-known Tasmanian family who had been early settlers there. William was listed as a bachelor and an organist of St John’s Church Launceston and Mary was a daughter of a clergyman and a spinster. They were married by Marcus Blake Brownrigg and Alfred R Stackhouse. In 1889, they went from Launceston to Melbourne on the Coogee. William and Frances had four children in all. William Alfred Thornthwaite was born in Launceston on 1st March 1886, but unfortunately passed away on 7th January 1904 in Launceston. Mary Alice Thornthwaite was born on 11th November 1887 in Launceston and Ralph Thornthwaite was born on 19th December 1891 in Launceston.
William has an entry in The Cyclopedia of Tasmania in 1900, under the Musical section. It records him as being a teacher of music and singing, and details his studies in London prior to coming to Tasmania. It also listed the churches he played at and his tuition of pupils. His musical skills were also recorded in the Launceston Examiner of Monday 11th July 1892 on page 2 under: “CURRENT TOPICS. There was a good attendance at the Albert Hall yesterday afternoon, when Mr W. W. Thornthwaite, city organist, gave one of the Sunday afternoon recitals which have become so popular. The pieces played were the productions of several of the eminent musicians who have contributed to the store of sacred music, and it is easily conceived that full justice was meted out to them by Mr Thornthwaite, whose capabilities as an organist are amply recognised by the public, who show their appreciation by their hearty applause.” Another article on him was in the Examiner of Launceston on Friday 4th December 1903 on page 6: “The Albert Hall was filled with a large and enthusiastic audience last night, when Mr. F. H. Wyatt, the envoy of the British Navy League, delivered an address upon the aims and aspirations of the organisation. The City Band marched through the streets to the hall, playing national airs, and the meeting was opened by Mr. Thornthwaite playing the National Anthem and a selection of patriotic airs on the organ. A song, “His Majesty the King,” was then rendered by Mr. C. R. Thomlinson, followed by another song, “To the Front,” by Miss Ethel Ferguson. Later in the evening Mr. Savage contributed “Sons of the Sea,” the chorus being taken up by the audience, who demanded a repetition of the popular refrain; and Messrs. Thomlinson and, Thornthwaite sang a duet, “Sound the Trumpet.””
The Examiner of Launceston of Tuesday 27th December 1904 in page 3 had school results which included under GENERAL CLASS LIST. (Preliminary). First class (24), in order of merit, 15 Francis Thornthwaite, High School, Launceston. The Examiner in Launceston on Saturday 23rd December 1905 in page 10 had: “HOBART & SOUTH UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS THE GENERAL CLASS LIST. SEPARATE SUBJECTS LIST. Thornthwaite Francis High School Launceston, 3 passes.” The Mercury of Hobart on Saturday 29th December 1906, had on page 2: “UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA. SENIOR, PUBLIC EXAMINATION. Notices embodying the results of the recent senior public examination were posted yesterday:” – Under “General Class List (In Alphabetical Order. – Third Class Francis Thornwaite (High School, Launceston), 8 pass”. The Daily Telegraph in Launceston on Saturday 19th January 1907 on page 6 had: “The results and certificates in connection with recent examinations hold at the Launceston Technical School by the Board of Education, South Kensington – Mathematics, Stage 1— First class Francis Thornthwaite.”
The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of Thursday 28th March 1907 (No.17) on page 644 had the following entry: “No. 61-66. Department of Defence, Melbourne, 28th March, 1907. MILITARY FORCES OF THE COMMONWEALTH. HIS Excellency the Governor-General, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, has been pleased to approve of the following changes, &c., in connexion with the Military Forces of the Commonwealth, viz. :— TASMANIA. Commonwealth Cadet Corps. Appointment. Francis Thornthwaite, to be Lieutenant, on probation. Dated 12th March, 1907.”
The Daily Telegraph of Launceston on Monday 16th December 1907 on page 5 had an entry under “MILITARY CHANGES. The following military changes have been made: ….. Confirmation of probationary appointments in the senior cadets”, which included Francis Thornthwaite. Francis was also listed in Wises Post Office Directory in 1907 as a teacher at Launceston High School, living at 33 Brisbane Street Launceston.
By 1909, the family had moved to Melbourne and were living at 160 Powlett Street in East Melbourne. William was listed in that electoral roll as a clergyman and Frances and Mary were both doing home duties. The three of them were at Ormond Barker’s Road Kew in the 1912 electoral roll, where William was a clergyman, Frances did home duties and Mary was a music teacher. The 1916 roll just had Frances and William, with the same occupations at the same address.
In the 1930 electoral roll, they had moved to 109 Westbourne Street in Petersham, New South Wales, with the same occupations. Everything was the same for the 1933 roll. Frances Mary Thornthwaite passed away on 27th February 1933 in Sydney. In the 1935 electoral roll, William was living at 109 Westbourne Street in Petersham and was a clergyman. William passed away on 30th December 1939 and is buried in the Independent section of Rockwood Cemetery in Section K ROW 22 Plot number 1202, with his wife.
Mary Alice Thornthwaite married Thomas Geoffrey Comber in 1913 in Victoria. The marriage was recorded in the Sunday Times of Sydney on Sunday 7th December 1913 on page 7: “On December 17 Lieut. Thomas Geoffrey Comber, R.N., of H.M.S. Fantome, is to be married to Miss Mary Alice Thornthwaite, of Kew, Melbourne. The marriage will take place at the Catholic Apostolic Church, Carlton, and the reception at the residence of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thornthwaite, ‘Ormond,’ Kew. The Fantome is to be paid off in a month, and early in January Lieut. Comber and his bride intend to go to England by mailboat. Staff-Surgeon Robinson, R.N. (who married Miss Grace Acheson) is a great friend of Lieut. Comber. One of the wedding presents most prized by Lieut. Comber is a beautiful silver inkpot that has just arrived from Dr. and Mrs. Robinson.” The Argus in Melbourne on 9th January 1914 had: “COMBER-THORNTHWAITE.-On the 17th December, at the Catholic Apostolic Church, Carlton, Lieutenant Thomas Geoffrey Comber, R.N., second son of Edward Comber, of Bombay and Liverpool, England, to Mary Alice, only daughter of W. W. Thornthwaite, Esq., of Ormond, Barker’s road, Kew.” They had one son, Edward Thornthwaite Comber in February 1915 in Whitchurch Shropshire England. Thomas was born in 1882 in Ormskirk Lancashire England and his father was an East Indian merchant. He served in the Royal Navy, where Thomas had been a Midshipman with precedence from 15th March 1899, after being at HMS Conway training ship from 1897. In the 1911 England Census, he was a Lieutenant on HMS Edgar and they were off India at the time. During WW1, he was on various ships as a Surveyor and reaching the rank of Lieutenant-Commander. He was appointed Order of the British Empire “for valuable services as Asst. Capt. of Dykd. & Asst. Kings Harbour Master, H.M. Dockyard Haulbowline.” It was recorded in the London Gazette on 16th September 1919. He was placed on the retired list on 7th May 1920. The family returned to Australia in August 1920. In 1922, he was promoted to Commander (retired). Unfortunately, Mary passed away on 26th August 1925 in Spreyton, Tasmania, and did not leave a will. Her death and funeral was recorded in the Advocate of Burnie on Friday 7th August 1925 on page 2:
“DEATHS. COMBER.-On August 6, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Devonport, Mary, the beloved wife of T. G. Comber, and only daughter of W. W. and Mrs. Thornthwaite, late of Launceston.
FUNERAL. COMBER.-The funeral of the late Mary Alice Comber will leave St. Mary’s Hospital, West Devonport, on Saturday morning at 10 o’clock, arriving in Launceston at 2 p.m. for interment in the Church of England cemetery. Friends please accept this intimation- JEFFREY, Undertaker.” She had insurance with Policy Alliance Assurance Company for £300, which Public Trustee administered. Thomas re-married in 1927 to Dorothy Hinde and was living in Spreyton in the 1928 electoral roll as an orchardist. He died on 6th April 1932 in Melbourne and is buried in Fawkner Memorial Park. Thomas had made a will out in 1927, with his wife and brother as executors, and his son when he turned 21. He added a codicil in 1931, revoking his brother as trustee and executor. Thomas’s medals are OBE, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals.
Ralph enlisted on 6th July 1915 with 8th Brigade 29th Battery as Gunner 19613. He married Ida Esther Harrington at St Cuthbert Church Prospect in Adelaide on 17th April 1916. The marriage was recorded in the Chronicle of Adelaide on Saturday 27th May 1916 in page 29: “THORNTHWAITE— HARRINGTON. — On the 17th April, at St. Cuthbert’s, Prospect, by the Rev. J. Moves, Ralph Thornthwaite, A.I.F., of Kew, Victoria, to Ida E. (Daisy) Harrington, of Prospect, South Australia.” His previous occupation was a foreman at an explosives factory. His description was age 22 years 7 months, height 5 foot 9¾ inches, weight 11 stone, chest 34½ to 37½ inches, with a fresh complexion, yellowish brown eyes and black hair. His religious denomination was Catholic Apostolic. He had 2 vaccination marks on his left arm, 9 moles on his chest and 7 on his back. Ralph was promoted to Bombardier on 1st April 1916. In France on 6th January 1917, he was transferred to 3rd DAB. On 17th September 1918, he reverted to Gunner at his own request and was posted to 8th FAB. He requested that “for the purpose of gaining experience of gunnery in a battery.” He returned to Australia from England on the Zealandia on 11th May 1919 and was discharged on 10th August 1919. Ralph was entitled to the British War and Victory medals.
The Express and Telegraph of Adelaide on Tuesday 30th January 1917 on page 1 had: “BIRTHS. THORNTHWAITE (nee Harrington). —On the 21st January, at the “Sirius” Nursing Home, AIberton, to Sergeant R. (A.I.F., France) and Mrs. Thornthwaite, Gloucester-street, Prospect —a son (Ralph Maxwell).”
They had another son, Geoffrey, in 1921.
Ralph wrote a will in 1924, leaving his estate to his wife. He died on 14th February 1926 at the Memorial Hospital North Adelaide. The Supreme Court proved the will in March 1926 and gave his late address as Prospect, near Adelaide and he had been a manager in an electrical department. His death was recorded in a few newspapers: in the Examiner in Launceston on Monday 22nd February 1926 on page 1 “DEATHS. THORNTHWAITE.-Ralph, husband of I. E. Thornthwaite, Balfour-street, Prospect, S.A., and youngest son of W. W. and F. M. Thornthwaite, Petersham, N.S.W.”, and the Register of Adelaide on Monday 15th February 1926 in page 8: “DEATHS. THORNTHWAITE. —On the 14th February, Ralph, beloved husband of Ida E. (Daisy) Thornthwaite, of Balfour street, Prospect Gardens, and loved youngest son of N. W. and F. M. Thornthwaite, Petersham, Sydney, aged 35 years.” The Register also had on Monday 22nd March 1926 on page 8: “WILLS OF THE WEEK. The following probates are notified In The Weekly Trade Gazette of the Mercantile Trade Protection Association: — Thornthwaite, Ralph,. Prospect …. 1,650 pounds.”
Ralph Maxwell Thornthwaite served in WW2 as Private S68525 in the 2nd Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps, joining on 1st April 1942 in Prospect and being discharged on 2nd February 1943. He gave his mother as next of kin. His service records are not online. The SA Police Gazette of 1933 records that his bike was stolen and gives quite a description of it. Ralph married Joan Nock on the 22nd August 1942 at the Pirie Street Methodist Church. They had two children. He died on 2nd May 2000 in South Australia.
Geoffrey served in the Army and RAAF in WW2. He joined the army on 18th September 1941 and was discharged on 25th February 1943 from the 27th Battalion as Private S48370. He then joined the RAAF on 27th February 1943 and was discharged on 23rd January 1946 as Flight Lieutenant 437481 in 3rd Advanced Flying Unit. Geoffrey married Helen Nock, Joan’s younger sister (There were three sisters in the family). Geoffrey died in 1994 in South Australia.
Francis is listed in the 1907 Tasmania Post Office Directory as a teacher at Launceston High School, with his private residence as 33 Brisbane Street Launceston. His father was also in the same directory at the same address. He is listed in a series of The Official Army List for Officers, starting with two in 1912, where he is listed as a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Field Artillery. In the 1913 List, he is under Forces of the Overseas Dominions and Colonies, Australian Commonwealth Graduation List as a Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Field Artillery from 1st December 1910. He had the same details in the two 1914 lists, two 1915 lists and one 1916 list. The next list has him in “3rd. 1st MILITARY DISTRICT”. The 1917 lists have him as the 1915 list, but also show he was awarded the Military Cross and was serving. In the first 1918 list his details are Lieutenant “GRADATION LIST OF OFFICERS” and the other has Captain “I.-ROYAL AUSTRALIAN FIELD ARTILLERY”.
His name appears in the list of Forces of the Oversea Dominions and Colonies, under Australian Commonwealth graduation List, under Lieutenants with a date of 1st December 1910 in the Royal Australian Field Artillery. He was with the Royal Australian Garrison Artillery from 1st December 1910 to 31st December 1912, then with the Royal Australian Field Artillery from 1st January 1913 until he enlisted for the AIF.
Francis appears in the Victoria Police Gazette on 3rd October 1912, with the entry under property lost reading: “F. THORNTHWAITE, Victoria Barracks, St. Kilda-road, reports lost in Swanston-street, Melbourne on 29th inst., a white bull terrier, leather collar, brass buckle and stud around neck. – O.7297A. 30th September 1912.”
In the 1914 electoral roll, he is listed as living at Barracks, Maribyrnong with an occupation as solider. He also had the same details in the 1915 roll.
His Application for a Commission in the 1st Field Artillery Brigade AIEF was filled out on 17th September 1914. He stated he had 3 years 10 months with RAGA and RAFA and was a Lieutenant in the RAFA. His date of birth was originally stated as 3rd February 1891, which was changed to 1890 in biro. He was a single British subject and his address was Ormond Barker’s Road Kew Victoria. His next of kin, Mr W W Thornthwaite was listed at the same address. A medical certificate done on 18th September showed he was 5 foot 10 inches tall, had a chest measurement of 36 to 38 inches, weighed 12 stone and had good eyesight. The Commanding Officer recommended he be appointed a Captain in the 1st Field Artillery Brigade. Francis was appointed as a Lieutenant with the 1st Artillery Brigade on 18th August 1914. His pay was 15 shillings a day.
Francis and his unit (1st Battery 1st Field Artillery Brigade) embarked from Sydney on board Transport A8 Argyllshire on 18th October 1914. On 4th April 1915, he joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. He landed at Gallipoli on the first day, but it took a few weeks for the guns to arrive, as they had to find suitable emplacement sites. In May, they were sent to Cape Helles to help with the attack on Krithia, which was a disaster. They then returned to Anzac.
The Commonwealth Gazette of Australia has an entry for Lieutenant F Thornthwaite to be a Captain dated 31st May 1915 under the heading Divisional Artillery. It was also recorded in his service record, noting he was on the Gallipoli Peninsula. On the same day, he was appointed Adjutant of 1st Field Artillery Brigade.
PS1627 Transport lines at Helles with two officers of 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade; Newmarch (left) and Thornthwaite on right.
A recommendation was written for Lieutenant Francis Thornthwaite 1st Battery AFA for action at Cape Helles from 3rd to 5th June 1915. It read: “On night of 2nd June moved 15 pd. Gun to position in rear of firing line on right flank of R.N.D. On 4thJune enfiladed and brought reverse fire to rear of Turkish trenches and works during engagement on that date, though under heavy shell and howitzer fire. On 5th June fired in support of trenches gained by our infantry and on Turkish reinforcements coming up. This gun was not withdrawn until 8th June and then only at the request of the infantry holding the forward trenches who complained that it was drawing heavy howitzer fire. The G.O.C. R.N.D. stated that he attributed in a great measure that the success of his attack and fewness of casualties to the accuracy and effectiveness of the fire from this gun.” The record noted he was previously recommended on 17th June 1915. It was signed by Major-General H Chauvel, Commanding 1st Australian Division.
On 7th October 1915, Maples (House Furnishers of North Melbourne) wrote to the Minister of Defence in Melbourne, asking if he would let them “know the whereabouts of Lieut Thornthwaite and Sergeant Mahoney both late of the Maribyrnong Barracks. The letter was referred to Base Records who replied on 8th November 1915, giving Francis’ details as “Captain F. Thornthwaite, 1st Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Australian Division, Alexandria, Egypt.” As there were 26 members of the AIF with the surname Mahoney, they could not give any details without more information, but they suggested to contact the Officer Commanding the Royal Australian Field Artillery at Maribyrnong Barracks. It is not known why they wanted to contact both of them.
In the museum records are a copy, starting from October 1915, where Francis was writing a war diary for 1st Brigade of the 1st Division as Adjutant. It started with a list of sick at Cape Helles in early October. On 16th October 1915, a demonstration “was made along the whole front held at ANZAC to test the strength of the opposing lines and to cause them to expend ammunition.” 3rd Battery was located at Russell’s Top in gun pits, near Lone Pine. A note from Artillery Headquarters on 19th October allowed them the “liberty to expend ammunition on likely targets presenting themselves on the front covered by their guns” in addition to any retaliatory fire. In his reports he listed the casualties by name, most of which were sick. On 22nd October, the 2nd Light Horse made a demonstration at Chatham’s Post and Ryrie’s Post, but 3rd Battery was not needed to fire, as little fire from artillery or rifles was drawn from the enemy. By the 23rd, they had 4 guns in position on Russell’s Top. On 27th October, the Turks shelled the trenches at Lone Pine, beside it and a considerable number onto the beach. 3rd Battery retaliated with a 20-minute bombardment of Turkish positions on the Lone Pine Salient. Francis described 30th October a “very quiet day along the whole front.” On the 31st, they were improving gun-pits and ammunition recesses on Russel’s Top and a barrage on Turkish trenches. Early November consisted of improving positions, drawing ordnance and firing on Turkish positions as required. A continuing list of casualties was recorded, mainly sick. Reinforcements arrived late in the month. On 23rd November some guns embarked on a lighter and were placed on board H T Queen Louise. From the 25th, it “was decided that fire would be withheld from the artillery for the next three days.” Ammunition wagons were embarked and transhipped to H T Rosalind along with men. A gun was slightly damaged from shelling on the 26th and all were withdrawn before more damage could be done. Embarkation was held up over the last few days of the month due to inclement weather. Snow fell on the 28th, “making roads impassable for mule traffic”, and the reserve “supply of rations (was) brought into use”. Still the batteries did not fire. They were getting the Turks used to days of no firing, while they evacuated from Gallipoli. The diary ends here.
On 3rd January 1916, he disembarked from the Grampian at Alexandria. He was taken on strength of 5th DAHQ on 24th February. While at Tel-el-Kebir on 27th February 1916, Francis was transferred to 5th Division Artillery. On 12th March 1916, he relinquished his appointment as Adjutant and was appointed Temporary Brigade Major for 5th Division Artillery. At Moascar on 26th May 1916, Francis was to be a Major.
His award of the Military Cross was mentioned in various newspapers, including the Brisbane Courier of Saturday 3rd June 1916 on page 5:
“THE KING’S BIRTHDAY.
4000 MILITARY HONOURS.
LARGE NUMBER OF AUSTRALIANS. LONDON, Friday.
Four thousand military honours in connection with the King’s Birthday have been announced.
The following Australians and New Zealanders are included in the list of honours :—
The Military Cross – Captain Francis Thornthwaite” (in a list of Captains).
The Commonwealth Gazette of 15th June 1916 has an entry under 5th Australian Division that Captain F Thornthwaite was to be a Brigade Major (temporarily), dated 12th March 1916. The London Gazette of 3rd June 1916 has an entry under Australian Imperial Force for Captain Francis Thornthwaite Field Artillery. His award of the Military Cross was published in London Gazette on 3rd June 1916 and a letter was sent to his father, living at “Ormond” Barkers Road Kew Victoria on 22nd September 1916, stating The King was pleased to approve of the award for Distinguished Service in the Field to Major Frank Thornthwaite of 5th Divisional Artillery. The Winner, a newspaper in Melbourne, on Wednesday 14th June 1916 in page 4 had an article about Francis and another officer being awarded the DSO (an error as he had been awarded the MC) and also included that he was “formerly a member of the racing crew of the cutter Koomeela” and a member of the Royal Yacht Club in Victoria.
At Alexandria on 17th June 1916, he proceeded to join the British Expeditionary Force, embarking on the Manitou. He disembarked at Marseilles on the 25th.
Base Records sent any correspondence to his father, W W Thornthwaite esq. at Ormond Barker’s Road Kew Victoria until he notified them of an address change to Kinkora Albert Road Strathfield New South Wales. On 26th September 1916, W W Thornthwaite of “Ormond” 59 Barkers Road Kew replied to Base Records, thanking them for the letter about Francis and “His mother & myself are gratified at the honour conferred upon him by His Majesty the King.”
E03695 Group portrait photographed at Boutillerie-les-Amiens of Brigadier General H J Bessell-Browne, Commander Royal Artillery (CRA), and officers of the 13th Brigade, Australian Field Artillery. Front row (seated); M Richard, Interpreter attached to DAHQ; Maj F Thornthwaite MC, 5th DAC; Lieutenant Colonel Hector Osmond Caddy DSO, 13th Brigade; Brigadier General H J Bessell-Browne CB CMG DSO; Capt E J Ferguson MC, 5th Division Trench Mortar Battery; Mr Vibert, Interpreter.
Base Records sent Mr W W Thornthwaite a letter on 2nd December 1916, advising him that a Mention in Despatches had been published in the London Gazette on 11th July 1916 relating to Major F Thornthwaite 5th Division Artillery being “mentioned for distinguished and gallant services rendered during the period of General Sir Charles Munro’s Command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force” in the despatch of 10th April 1916, published in the London Gazette of 11th July on page 6954. It was sent to the Barker’s Road address.
On 27th September 1916, Francis was transferred from 5th Division Artillery Headquarters, relinquishing his appointment of Brigade Major, and was to Command 57th Battery 15th Field Artillery Brigade in the Field. On 11th October 1916 he was taken on strength of 15th FAB ex 5th D.A.Hqrs and posted to 57th Battery. His entries on the 14th seem a bit confusing; one line says taken on strength from 57th Battery and posted to 51st Battery, and another transferred to 5th DAHqrs in the Field. Another form with an entry of the same date says he was transferred from 15th FA Brigade to 13th FA Brigade. On 1st November 1916, 5th DAHQ said he was attached ex 51st Battery. He was attached as Acting BMRA (Temp) on 12th November. A letter was sent on 12th January 1917 re date of detachment to 5th Division Artillery Headquarters.
The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on Thursday 7th December 1916 (No.180) in page 3305 under the heading “ARTILLERY.” Had the following entry: “5th Divisional Artillery. To be Major— Captain F. Thornthwaite, M.C. Dated 26th May, 1916.”
Another Mention in Despatches was published in the London Gazette on 4th January 1917 and shows he was with the 5th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column as a Major. A British medal index card was also filled out for this, stating it was recorded in volume 29890 in page 253. A letter was sent to his father on 3rd July 1917 from Base Records, but it records the date as 2nd January 1917 and it was from a despatch from General Sir Douglas Haig in France. His father replied to the letter on 14th July 1917, but writing his address as 141 Macquarie St. He thanked them for the information and added he was glad his son “Major F Thornthwaite has been able to so distinguish himself, as whatever honour he may receive, is reflected on the Australian Artillery Service & the Australian Forces generally of which we are so justly proud.”
Francis was taken on strength and posted to 50th Battery 13th FAB in the Field on 23rd January 1917 from 5th DA HQ. He was granted furlough on 22nd February. On 6th March 1917, he was placed on Seconded List and was evacuated sick. Francis was admitted to Cobham Hall Hospital in England on 6th March 1917 with NYD mild (not yet diagnosed), transferred to Fort Pitt Hospital on the 9th, transferred to Cobham Hall Hospital on the 31st, transferred to Fort Pitt Hospital on 20th April 1917 and transferred to Cobham Hall Hospital on 29th April. The entries have the word “Phemoris” written beside them, whatever that refers to (possibly phimosis). He was noted as fit and then proceeded to France on 24th April 1917.
On 13th March 1917, Base Records sent W W Thornthwaite of Ormond Barker’s Road Kew Victoria a note stating “Major F. Thornthwaite was admitted to the Cobham Hall Military Hospital 6/3/17, suffering from mild illness (not yet diagnosed) and his postal address was 5th Divisional Artillery Headquarters AIF Abroad. His father’s reply on the 14th thanked them and asked to be notified if more information came in.
London queried his movements between 22nd February and 23rd May 1917. He re-joined 15th FAB ex leave and resumed duty from seconded list on 25th May 1917. On 3rd August 1917 he was wounded at duty. Base Records sent a note out on 20th August 1917, stating “Major F. Thornthwaite has been reported wounded and remaining at duty.” Also his postal address was to be “13th late 1st Field Artillery Brigade, Australian Imperial Force, Abroad.” His father, William, sent a letter in reply on the 27th, thanking them for letting him know and “hope to learn he is better & able to fully perform his duties.” His address was still Macquarie Street.
The next line in his service record says he was wounded in action and remained on duty on 3rd August 1917. Francis was granted furlough on 12th September 1917 and re-joined on the 26th. An entry on 24th September 1917 in France stated he was to be Honorary Captain and to be noted for promotion to the Brevet rank of Major in the CMF on attaining the substantive rank of Captain in the AMF. On 6th November 1917, Major Thornthwaite was sent sick to hospital, admitted to the 8th Field Ambulance with debility (gas poisoning – crossed out) and then to 2nd Anzac Officers Rest Camp on the same day. Another entry says that he was now reported not wounded, but sick. He was discharged to duty on 21st November and re-joined his unit on the 26th. On 26th December 1917, he was detailed to attend Senior Officers Artillery Course at Shoeburyness in England. Another entry has on 21st December 1917 in the Field, Major Thornthwaite was to go to School of Instruction in England. After being at that school, he was introduced to Lorna Maude Inez Currie by Major Geoffrey Austin Street of the 1st Battalion AIF, an old friend of Francis who had served near each other in France.
Base Records sent his father a note on 20th November 1917, stating “that Major F. Thornthwaite has been reported wounded the affects gas. (second occasion).” Francis’ postal address was the same as above. The address for William was recorded as Ormond Barkers Road, Kew. His mother replied on the 22nd, thanking them and asking if they knew when that cable was sent and for promising to let them know as further information came through. Base Records replied on 27th November 1917, advising them that it was dated London on the 15th November and as no other information had come through, it was assumed he was progressing favourably.
Francis re-joined his unit from being sick on 26th November 1917. A receipt for his Form of Commission as a Lieutenant in the Australian Field Artillery was signed by his mother on 30th November 1917. She also wrote a letter to Base Records on that date, thanking them for letting them previously know about Francis and asking them since they had received no update, they assumed that he must be progressing favourably.
Base Records sent his father another note on 4th December 1917, stating that Francis was “sick not wounded as previously advised” and an address was 13th Field Artillery Brigade. Again, a reply was sent by his father thanking them for the information, and the letter was written on letterhead paper with their address and phone number listed.
A Mention in Despatches was published in London Gazette on 25th December 1917 relating to the conspicuous service rendered by Major F Thornthwaite MC of the 13th Australian Field Artillery Brigade. It was a continuation of Sir Douglas Haig’s Despatch of 7th November, submitting names deserving of special mention. Base Records sent a note of it to his father on 9th May 1918, for distinguished and gallant service and devotion to duty in the field during the period 26th February 1917 to 20th September 1917. The recommendation for the Mention in Despatches was written on 20th September 1917 for Major F Thornthwaite MC of 50th Battery 13th Australian Field Artillery Brigade for action “During the recent operation in the YPRES Sector from 19th. July to 6th. September, 1917, this officer has commanded his battery in the line. His Battery was one of the Batteries that moved in close support of the Infantry to CAMBRIDGE ROAD; and, later, to “Old No Man’s Land”. In spite of the fact that all his officers were killed or wounded, he stayed with his battery, and maintained them in action. His courage and devotion to duty deserve special recognition.”
He re-joined the 13th FAB from School of Instruction on 25th January 1918 and was transferred to 5th DAC on 16th February 1918.
On 19th January 1918, his father sent Base Records a letter, stating after the 30th January, his address would be Orlando, Everton Road Strathfield NSW. Base Records noted the change. He sent them another letter on 20th March 1918, stating “In the “Sydney Evening News,” of yesterday’s date, there appears the name of Major F. Thornthwaite among the list of wounded. May I ask if this is correct? I have not received any notification from your office of my son’s being wounded.” He had also moved since advising them of an address change, but had checked with his old address. William stated his new address would be Kinkora Albert Road Strathfield NSW.
On 16th February 1918, he was taken on strength and was to command 5th DAC from 13th FAB.
William Thornthwaite wrote a letter to Base Records on 30th March 1918, apologising for sending an earlier letter about Francis that was about an entry in a newspaper about him, but it was old news from the year before. As people had rang them about it, he wrote the letter before investigating it further. He also stated that their address was to be “Kinkora” Albert Road, Strathfield NSW from then on. They had replied to him on the 24th March, stating “the report referred to is apparently a Press error for which the Department is not responsible.” They had received nothing more since the report on 4th December.
His father replied on 13th May 1918, thanking them for the information and “glad my son has been spared & enabled to add some little to the lustre of the Australian Imperial Forces.”
Francis went on leave to the UK on 27th June 1918 and re-joined his unit on 30th June. He went to the UK on leave on 15th September 1918, re-joining his unit on 30th September. Sometime while he was on leave in England, Inez and he became engaged.
E02471 Bussy, France. 4 June 1918. Group portrait of No. 1 Section of the 5th Divisional Ammunition Column. Front row (sitting): Lieutenant (Lt) H. H. Dean; Captain K. Barnett; Major Francis Thornthwaite MC DSO Croix de Guerre; Lt A. D. Newmarch; Lt Daniells; Mr A. K. Harris, Young Men’s Christian Association representative.
On 8th November 1918, he was posted from 5th Division Artillery to 2nd Army Brigade AFA and was to command and be a temporary Lieutenant-Colonel while so employed. He was also made a Lieutenant-Colonel on the same day. As a Major, he was sent to 12th Army Brigade AFA and was struck off strength of 5th DAC on 16th November 1918. Under instruction from ACRA finding AIF Orders, he was to assume command of 12th Brigade AFA on 17th November 1918. He was on leave to the UK from 20th November 1918.
The Lismore, Derrinallum and Cressy Advertiser of Wednesday 11th December 1918 on page 6 had under “Local and General News MARRIED The marriage is announced of Miss Inez Currie, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J.L. Currie, of Larra, to Major Frank Thornthwaite, M.C. The ceremony was performed in London. The lucky bridegroom is the eldest son of the Rev. W. Thornthwaite, of Sydney.”
Francis married Lorna Maude Inez Currie on 23rd November 1918 at St Columba’s Parish Church of Scotland in Post Street London. Inez was a cousin of Evora (Gyp) Currie, the wife of Major Street (They had married in London 6 months before the end of the war and Francis and Inez were best man and bridesmaid). She was a daughter of John Lang Currie and Lorna Mary Box and had been born on 27th August 1896 in Lismore Victoria. Inez said “I had gone to England to work in 1915 and was then working in a Red Cross Tommy Hospital in Grosvenor Square as a ward V.A.D.” The Streets returned the honour, being bridesmaid and best man at their wedding. Lorna’s parents were John Lang Currie and Lorna Mary Box, who had been married in 1894 in Victoria.
How they had met began here as recorded in The Camperdown Chronicle in Victoria on Saturday 1st May 1915 in Page 2:
“WESTERN DISTRICT MOTOR AMBULANCE. To the Editor, “Chronicle”. Sir, —”We wish to inform all those who have subscribed towards the Western District motor ambulance that the total amount received is £1,000- a sufficient sum to purchase two ambulances. The money has been cabled to England through the Red Cross Society, and the cars will be on the field in a short time. We are most gratified at the splendid response made throughout the district, and take this opportunity of again thanking all those who have so generously given-Yours, &c., INEZ CURRIE. ESTHER FAIRBAIRN CATHERINE AUSTIN. EVORA CURRIE.”
Inez embarked on the RMS Medina with her friend Esther Fairbairn, travelling to London, as recorded in The Sydney Morning Herald of Wednesday 16th February 1916 on page 15: “MEDINA, FOR LONDON The P. and O. R.M.S. Medina sails to-day at 4 p.m. for London, via ports. The following is a list of her passengers: – …, Miss Inez Currie, Miss E. Fairbairn, ……”
“Inez had enrolled with the Red Cross in April 1916 for training in first aid and home nursing, hygiene, and cookery. She spent a week in August 1916 at the Red Cross’s Marylebone Auxiliary Hospital, a small private home in Weymouth Street, before finding a more congenial berth in the ‘Australian room’ at the Coulter Hospital in Grosvenor Square.”
Coulter Hospital at No. 5 Grosvenor Square, London had been established in September 1915 by an American, Mrs Charlotte Herbine (aka Mrs John Mock), in a house lent to her by Sir Walpole Greenwell. With the generous help of American friends and large contributions from Lord Sandwich, who was the hospitals first president, the 100-bed hospital was run by her. An extract of a letter from a Red Cross worker at the hospital said: “We have an Australian room [ward] at the Coulter Hospital, 5 Grosvenor-square. The house belonged to the Duke of Manchester, and the rooms are large and lofty. We have an Australian resident surgeon and five Australian nurses, besides six English nurses and ten voluntary aid girls. We take from 80 to 100 soldiers. Some of the beds were given by Australian donors. Our consultants and honorary staff are mostly from Guy’s and Middlesex hospitals.”
Francis nearly did not meet and marry her as The Prahran Telegraph in Victoria on Saturday 25th August 1917 on page 5 had under “Engagements and Weddings The engagement is announced of Miss Inez Currie, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J.L. Currie, Larra, Derrinallum, to Lieutenant H. Ivo Whitton, B.R.G.A., son of Mr and Mrs Percy Whitton, Armadale.” Harrington Ivo Whitton was an Australian Golf Champion. He had been playing golf in England when the war began. He returned to Australia to enlist, but was rejected; so, he returned to England and served in the Royal Garrison Artillery after being commissioned. He contacted malaria while in Salonika and was sent home, but the relationship with Inez obviously didn’t survive.
Francis re-joined his unit from leave on 21st December 1918. A Mention in Despatches was published in the London Gazette on 27th December 1918, from Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 8th November 1918 while Francis was a Major with the 5th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column Australian Field Artillery. A letter was sent to his father from Base Records on 2nd July 1919, notifying him of the award for conspicuous services rendered.
The award of a Distinguished Service Order to Major F Thornthwaite was published in London Gazette on 31st December 1918 while he was with the 5th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column. A letter was sent to his father by Base Records on 2nd July 1919 advising him that Frances had been awarded the DSO as “HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the above award for Distinguished Service in connexion with Military Operations in France and Flanders. Dated 1st January.” He was awarded the DSO in England on 1st January 1919. The Supplement to the London Gazette of 1st January 1919 has under Australian Forces Major Francis Thornthwaite MC 5th D.A.C., Australian Field Artillery.
He was with 12th FAB on 27th February 1919. Francis went on leave to the UK on 20th March 1919 from the Field.
On 26th March 1919, he was marched out to England for transport duty. He returned to Australia on Wahehe as Officer Commanding the troops. Inez was also on the ship. They left from Tilbury England on 10th May 1919 and disembarked in the 3rd Military District on 28th June 1919. Inez said of the trip, it was “a boat-load of married and single digger’s wives and a lot of children” and they were going around the Cape. She also said “We had an awful voyage which took nearly six weeks – I was pregnant and lost the baby three weeks after we landed at home. Of course most of the troops got drunk in Capetown and it took days to get them all rounded up again.” He was then struck off strength of the AIF.
Inez was pregnant during the boat trip home and was due two months after returning. Unfortunately, the baby came six weeks early. Their son, William Currie Thornthwaite was born on 25th July 1919 in Victoria, but sadly passed away on 29th July 1919. He was buried in the Lismore cemetery. They had no other children.
Mention in Despatches Published in London Gazette in 1919-08-21 – 5th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column Lieutenant-Colonel. The Supplement to the London Gazette of 21st August 1919 on page 10609 has Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Thornthwaite DSO MC Australian Field Artillery.
Francis signed for his Distinguished Service Order Warrant and Statutes on 1st September 1919. His appointment if the AIF was terminated on 3rd September 1919.
Base Records sent a letter to Francis on 31st December 1919 advising him that the decoration conferred by the President of the French Republic, Croix de Guerre (France) to him had been published in the London Gazette on 21st August 1919 for conspicuous services rendered by him while serving with the Australian Imperial Force.
Below is the citation for his French Croix de Guerre and a Public Notice which was obviously distributed after the war which says “Public Notice. Whoever shall injure any field-telegraph or field-telephone, shall be shot. Whoever shall remove this notice, shall be severely punished. Failing the apprehension of the offender, the severest measures shall be taken against the local community where the aforesaid injury has been committed or this notice removed. The General Commander.” It was printed in Germany and written in four languages.
Francis returned to Australia on 10th May 1919 as a Lieutenant-Colonel with 1st Division Artillery. In the 1919 electoral roll, he was still listed in the army barracks as before. From 1919 until 1922 he was with the First Battery in Sydney. The 1922 Sands Directory lists them as living at 1 Kent Street, Rose Bay. Inez said “We took a house on Point Piper and we lived in Sydney for nearly three years, which was a very happy and gay time and we made many friends there.” By this time, he was known as Frank.
On 21st August 1919, Base Records posted to Francis his Warrant and Statues in connexion with the Distinguished Service Order and he had to sign and return the enclosed receipt form. They were sent to Lieutenant-Colonel F Thornthwaite DSO MC C/o “Kinkora” Albert Road Strathfield, New South Wales. They posted a Certificate for a Mention in Despatches to him on 4th February 1920, with the address it was sent to as his father’s address in Strathfield. It was crossed out and in coloured pencil was written Victoria Barracks Sydney. He signed and dated it on 12th February 1920. It also noted that other certificates were being prepared, not in date order, and would be sent out without application when they were available. Francis signed for his Mention in Despatch emblems (1 large and 1 small) on 3rd September 1920. He signed for a MiD Certificate on 3rd June 1920, 17th May 1921, and 14th November 1921.
Base Records received a letter written on 1st May 1920 from 3908 S E Pearce of Clunes who served with the 5th DAC HQ AIF. He was after the private addresses of Major Thornthwaite DSO MC and Major W Wallis DSO MC, who “were O.C. of the 5th Divis. Ammunition Column in France & so were my C.O. My reason for seeking the information is for reference purposes only.” He was Stanley Edgar Pearce, who embarked 21st November 1917 from Melbourne on HMAT A71 Nestor (after attesting in Maryborough Victoria), as a Private with the 30th Reinforcements of the 4th Light Horse Regiment. He was a 26 year old farmer from Clunes. Stanley returned to Australia as a Private with the 5th DAC on 7th July 1919. The reply from Base Records on 7th May 1920, advised him that the address for Lieutenant-Colonel F Thornthwaite was Victoria Barracks, Sydney and Major W D Wallis was 105 Alma Road, North Perth.
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate on Tuesday 1st June 1920 in page 5 had under:
“NEWCASTLE PREPARATIONS
Lieutenant-colonel F. Thornthwaite, D.S.O., M.C., officer-in-charge guards and escorts for the Royal visit, was in Newcastle yesterday on official business, and called at the council chambers, where, in the absence of Alderman Gibson, the Mayor, at Chichester, he was received by the town clerk and supplied with information relative to the programme drawn up for June 18, the date of the Prince’s visit to Newcastle. During the day he called on several naval and military officials.”
The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of Thursday 6th April 1922 (No.30) on page 532 had:
“AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES. THE Governor-General in Council has approved of the following changes, &c., being made in connexion with the Australian Military Forces:—Staff Corps.—Captain and Brevet-Major (Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel) F. Thornthwaite, D.S.O., M.C., is placed on the Half-pay List, 2nd Military District, at his own request, 31st March, 1922.” He was also listed in Who’s Who in Australia in 1922 with the entry reading: “THORNTHWAITE Major Francis, D.S.O., M.C.; b. 1890. Army Field Artillery A.I.F.”
His British War and Victory medals were sent out, but were returned by 3rd D. B. on 10th May 1923. Base Records in Victoria sent Francis a letter on 29th June 1923, letting him know that any medals “not already issued to members of the A.I.F. discharged in Victoria” were available to collect at Base Records. If he, or a suitably identified representative, could not collect it, the form at the bottom was to be filled in. The form stated that Lieutenant-Colonel F Thornthwaite of 12th Field Artillery Brigade, embarked October 1914 and disembarked July 1919, wanted the British War and Victory medals posted to “C/o J L Currie Esq. “Larra” Derrinallum Victoria” and was signed F Thornthwaite 25th November 1923. The medals were sent on 6th December. Francis was placed on the Reserve of Officers as a Lieutenant-Colonel on 1st July 1927.
An article in the Canberra Times said it was a severe blow when Francis was placed on the Unattached List and retired, but Inez stated “we were both longing to get out of the Army as soon as possible and get back to living in the country.” They worked at a property in the Riverina, which was owned by an uncle of Inez, with Francis working as a jackeroo.
They bought a property at the end of 1923 (10 000 acres of Quiamong Station near Conargo) and Francis became a grazier near Deniliquin in NSW. They built a house and lived there for 11 years. Inez said it “was one of the best times in our lives” and they “both loved the district and the life”. They had help to run the property.
Francis was nominated for election to a board on 13th May 1926, recorded as “Francis Thornthwaite of Marong, Conargo a Grazier”. The Jerilderie Herald and Urana Advertiser of NSW on Thursday 3rd June 1926 in page 2, had the results of the election: “P. P. Board Election. The election for a director of the Jerilderie Pastures Protection Board in place of Mr D. S. McLarty, resigned, took place yesterday (Wednesday) evening. There were four candidates nominated, and the result was the return of Mr Andrew Glenn, of North Yathong, The figures were as follows : — . Glenn, Andrew 80 Donelan S Sydney … 34 Thornthwaite, Francis … 19 McCaughey, Samuel … 18 Informal … 31. Twenty-six votes were declared invalid owing to non-payment of rates.”
Francis was involved in a court case as discussed in the Sydney Morning Herald of Thursday 29th November 1923 on page 6: “NO. 3 JURY COURT
BARNETT v MCWILLIAM.
Charles Hamilton Hume Barnett, a commission agent carrying on business at Bundanoon, claimed the sum of £87/10/, money payable by John McWilliam, a farmer at Berry, for work done and services rendered by the plaintiff for the defendant as his agent and at his request in connection with the sale of a farm and premises situated at Bundanoon, in the State of New South Wales, the property of the defendant, and known as Walnut Farm, to one Francis Thornthwaite. The defence was not indebted. Mr. Milner Stephen (Instructed by Messrs. Frank A. Davenport and Mawby) appeared on behalf of the plaintiff; and Mr. Betts (instructed by Messrs. Garland, Seaborn, and Abbott) on behalf of the defendant. The matter stands part heard.”
They then moved to Victoria and he became a pastoralist at Derrinallum. The property. ‘Larra’ had been owned by Inez’s Grandfather since 1844. It passed to her father in 1900 and when he died there in 1935 at the age of 79, it was left to Inez and Frank. The 1930 electoral roll has them both listed as living at Marong, Conargo with Francis listed as a grazier and Inez doing home duties. The pastoral directory of 1931 lists Francis as the owner of Marong (the station name) at Conargo (postal address) in New South Wales, where they had 23 cattle and 3858 sheep. They were listed in the Sands Directory of 1932-33, at the same address. They were regular visitors to the Fairbairn and Street stations. It appears Francis donated private records to the Australian War Memorial in 1930 or 31 as there is a request for this in the files at NAA, but it is not online. Inez father died in 1935.
Francis is listed in Who’s Who in Australia in 1935, with the entry reading: “THORNTHWAITE, Lieut.-Colonel Francis, D.S.O., M.C.: son of William Wright Thornthwaite, of Sydney; b. Feb 3 1890; ed. High Sch., Launceston, and Univ. of Tas., Hobart; entered Roy. Aus. Artillery; served Gt. War, A.I.F., 1915-19; despatched five times, M.C., D.S.O. 1919, Croix de Guerre, Brevet; m. 1918, Inez, d. J. L. Currie, of Larra, Derrinallum Vic.; clubs, Union (Sydney), Melbourne (Melb.).”
The Argus on Friday 20th December 1935 in page 4 had:
“GRAZING PROPERTY SOLD
Marong, a grazing property of 9,800 acres, in Riverina, between Deniliquin and Jerilderie, was sold yesterday by Colonel F. Thornthwaite to Messrs Driver Bros. of Deniliquin. The property was offered at auction at Scott’s Hotel. The highest bid was £3/10/ an acre. The property was passed in and sold immediately afterward by private treaty. The purchase price was not disclosed.”
The Independent of Deniliquin, NSW had on Tuesday 7th January 1936 in page 1:
“MARONG DISPERSAL SALE
HIGH-CLASS OFFERING OF MERINO EWES
The dispersal sale of the stock of the Marong Estate, which has been sold by Colonel F. Thornthwaite, on Thursday, January 16, will give district graziers an excellent opportunity of acquiring high-class sheep, cattle and horses.”
The Sun of Sydney on Friday 9th April 1937 on page 13 had the following photo of Inez:
In 1936, they went on a trip, the full details of which is not available in documents online, but Inez said they went on a 10-month trip overseas before taking full possession of ‘Larra’. They left Quebec on the Empress of Australia and arrived in Southampton on 6th June 1936. Their address while in England was listed as C/o National Bank of Australasia, Lothbury, London. Francis was a grazier, aged 45 and Lorna Maude (as she was listed) was 39. They intended to return to Australia. On 28th January 1937, they departed at Southampton on Berengaria, bound for New York, with their last address in England listed as Grace Line London. Inez said they travelled through Java, Hong Kong, China (seeing Peking), Manchuria, Korea, Japan and to Canada with friends. They then went to England, seeing her relatives and then toured most of Europe by car. When going through Germany Frank noticed a lot of young Germans marching with shovels, “quite obviously drilling and Frank was quite certain that war was coming and very worried that he had been out of the army for so long.” They then returned to Australia via the USA. They lived at ‘Larra’ until mid-1939. Inez was elected Honorary Secretary of the Lismore Red Cross in September 1939.
He was unlisted in the 2nd Military District on 30th June 1939. Inez said “He started doing a certain amount of work at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne about three months before war was declared. Geoff Street was then Minister of the Army. I cannot remember exactly when he was appointed G.S.O.I to Sir Brudenell White for whom he had the most enormous admiration”.
The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of Thursday 27th July 1939 (No.49) on page 1368 has: “HIS Excellency the Governor-General in Council has approved of the following changes, &c., being made in connexion with the Australian Military Forces and Senior Cadets:— AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES. Army Head-quarters.—Lieutenant-Colonel F. Thornthwaite, D.S.O., M.C.. Unattached List, is appointed Staff Officer, 3rd Grade, in the Branch of the Chief of the General Staff, with pay and allowances of Captain, 1st July, 1939.” The Gazette of 12th October 1939 has under Army Headquarters: “Lieutenant-Colonel F. Thornthwaite, D.S.O., M.C., Unattached List, Staff Officer, 3rd Grade in the Branch of the Chief of the General Staff, is appointed Staff Officer, 2nd Grade, in the Branch of the Chief of the General Staff, with pay and allowances of Major”.
On 31st October 1939, 3rd District Command sent the Recruiting Officer in Melbourne a note to get Francis medically examined and enrolled as he was required for the establishment of AHQ M. I. Francis filled out a Mobilization Attestation Form on 1st November 1939. He was given the Army Number V159753 and was with the Army Headquarters. He enlisted at Sturt Street, South Melbourne. Francis gave his details as 48 years old, born in Launceston Tasmania on 3rd February 1891 and he was a British Subject. Previous service included the 1914-18 war. He was married to Lorna Maud Inez Thornthwaite, who was his next of kin and their address was Derrinallum Victoria. His religious denomination was Church of England.
His father’s obituary appeared in the Examiner of Launceston on Monday 8th January 1940 on page 6: “OBITUARY Mr. W. W. Thornthwaite The death is reported from Sydney of Mr. William Wright Thornthwaite, who at one time was organist at St. John’s Church of England. Launceston, and later at the Paterson-street Methodist Church. He was also City Organist at Launceston for a period. Mr. Thornthwaite, who was born at Manchester. England, was 79 years of age. He was educated at Manchester and from his early life desired to be a musician. He went to London and studied the piano under Herr Fritz Hartrigson, and the organ under Dr. E. J. Hopkins, of the Temple Church. He received singing lessons from Mr. F. E. Weatherby, Herr Blune, and Mr. W. H. Cummings. For four years after his arrival in Tasmania from England in 1880, Mr. Thornthwaite was organist at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Hobart. In 1884 he was appointed organist at St. John’s, Launceston, and after some years there was organist at Paterson-street Methodist Church for a short period. At that time he was the Launceston City Organist and as he had such a large number of pupils, severed his connection with the churches. He retained his position as City Organist, however, for some years. The late Mr. Thornthwaite conducted the Launceston Philharmonic Society, which has been out of existence for about 35 years. He was responsible for the production in Launceston of the cantatas, “The Sleeping Beauty,” by Sir Frederick Cowen, “Revenge,” by Villiers Stamford, and “Holy City,” by Gaul. While in Launceston, Mr. Thornthwaite was an examiner of the Australian Musical Examination Board, and held that position for some time. He was also largely responsible for the formation of the Launceston branch of the Trinity College of Music, This was one of the first branches in Australia, and was formed about 50 years ago. Because of a mishap to his eyes when young, Mr. Thornthwaite was nearly blind. Mrs. Thornthwaite, who predeceased her husband, was formerly Miss Francis Mary Stackhouse, a daughter of Rev. Alfred Stackhouse, formerly rector of Longford. The only surviving son is Major Frank Thornthwaite, of Victoria.” (Note the error is the spelling of her first name).
Francis was one of the most popular senior staff officers at Victoria Barracks. He was serving as Army Liaison Officer on the General Staff. A handwritten piece of paper in his file also records that he was GSO2, GBr AHQ, Milita Staff FTD with pay of Captain on 28th August 1939 and then pay of Major on 2nd September 1939. Francis was then GSO1 (Army Sn Offr), AHQ GSO to DCGS on 4th April 1940. A comment in red pen states: “This officer has previously been checked, there must be a file somewhere (other than WW1)”. He was the aide to General Sir Cyril Brudenell Bingham White, the Chief of the General Staff.
Tragedy struck the family again that year, as recorded in the Forbes Advocate NSW on Friday 16 August 1940 in page 2:
“TUESDAY’S AIR DISASTER
Ten Persons Killed in Canberra ‘Plane Crash
THREE FEDERAL MINISTER INCLUDED
Cause of Accident a Mystery
Ten persons, including three Federal Ministers and two high Army officials on Tuesday lost their lives in one of Australia’s most tragic air disasters. An air-liner in which they were travelling from Melbourne to Canberra crashed in flames near Canberra aerodrome. The victims included the Minister for the Army (Mr. Street), Minister for Air (Mr. Fairbairn) and the vice-president of the executive Council (Sir Henry Gullett). Cause of the tragedy is a mystery. The plane went into a spin, exploded and crashed in flames.
Every one of the occupants was incinerated in a solid wall of flame, which forced rescuers to stand helplessly by for half an hour until the fire had burnt itself out. The tragedy may cause postponement of the Federal elections for a further week or fortnight. It was Australia’s worst air disaster since the Kyeema crashed with the loss of 18 lives on October 5, 1938. A former Federal Minister, Mr. Hawker, M.H.R., was among those who died in the Kyeema accident. Victims of the tragedy were: Minister for the Army, Brigadier Geoffery Austin Street. Minister for Air, James Valentine Fairbairn. Vice-President of the Executive Council, Sir Henry Somer Gullett. Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Brudenell White. Lieutenant-Colonel H. Thornthwaite of Army Headquarters. R. E. Elford, private Secretary to Mr. Fairbairn. Flight-Lieutenant R. E. Hitchcock (38) married, of Laverton. Pilot-Officer R. F. Wiesner (28) married, of Laverton. Corporal J. F. Palmer, wireless opera-tor. Aircraftsman C. J. Crosdale. PRIME MINISTER’S SORROW “It is a great national calamity, the significance of which it is not yet possible to realise fully. It is a more grevious personal loss. Every man was doing an important war service. Each of my three Cabinet Colleagues was a man of character and intense loyalty, and their loss does not bear thinking about.” In these words the Prime Minister (Mr. R. G. Menzies) epitomized the feeling of sorrow which has swept Australia in the tragedy. The cause of the crash is a mystery. The plane left Melbourne at 9.29 a.m. and crashed two hours later when circling Canberra aerodrome. The plane came around the drome once, then rose again and headed south-wards. It suddenly began to lose height, went into a spin and suddenly exploded. The noise of the blast, which was accompanied by a huge wall of flame and dense smoke, could be heard for miles. The machine then crashed into a tree. All emergency squad of R.A.A.F. at Canberra, and two ambulances, one of which was summoned from Queanbeyan, eight miles away, rushed to the scene, but so terrific was the heat that the rescuers had to stand helplessly by while the wreckage was devoured by a solid wall of flame. When the fire had burned itself out in half an hour, a terrible sight con-fronted the rescuers. Among the charred wreckage of the plane were ten bodies, twisted into grotesque shapes. They were so badly mutilated that identification was impossible. A charred tree was in the middle of the wreckage. When the plane circled over Parliament House, Mr. Street’s staff watched it from their office window, one re-marking: “The Brigadier will soon be here.” Shortly afterwards came the news of the tragedy. Three private secretaries attached to the Ministers immediately drove to the scene in an effort to identify the bodies. They were unable to do so. They then informed the Prime Minister of what they had seen. Newspapers throughout the Empire have given prominence to the disaster and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Churchill, in the House of Commons, expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and referred to the loss Australia and the British Empire had suffered by the deaths of the leaders in Australia’s War Effort. ESCAPE OF TWO OTHER MINISTERS Two other Ministers, Senator McLeay and Mr. Fadden, were fortunate not to be on the ill-fated plane. They had been asked to make the trip but had declined. Senator McLeay said he would have made the trip only he had an important conference with the Controller-General of Customs. Mr. Fadden explained that he was invited on Monday to fly back to Canberra. “I had no particular reason for refusing. I had booked my seat but rather than go through the formality of can-celling it, I decided to come by train,” he said.” (Note error with first initial).
“The wreckage of a RAAF Lockheed Hudson A16–97 which crashed near Canberra on 13 August 1940 killing all ten occupants: Geoffrey Street, Minister for the Army and Repatriation, James Fairbairn, Minister for Air and Civil Aviation, Sir Henry Gullett, Vice-president of the Executive Council and Minister in charge of Scientific and Industrial Research, General Sir Cyril Brudenell White, Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Thornthwaite, Staff Officer to General White, Richard Elford, Private Secretary to Mr Fairbairn, and four crew – Flight Lieutenant Richard Hitchcock, Pilot Officer Richard Wiesener, Corporal John Palmer and Aircraftman Charles Crosdale.” This picture and description is from National Archives Australia.
The Sydney Morning Herald of Wednesday 14th August 1940 on page 12 has the following:
“BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
LIEUT.-COLONEL THORNTHWAITE.
Lieutenant Colonel Francis H. Thornthwaite, who was 50, was Army Liaison Officer in the General Staff, and in that capacity was accompanying Sir Brudenell White to the War Cabinet meeting. He married a cousin of Mrs. Street.
He began his military career in 1910 as a lieutenant in the Royal Australian Garrison Artillery (Permanent Forces), and left for oversea service in 1914 with the First Divisional Artillery, A.I.F. He was adjutant of the first field Brigade, and later Brigade Major of the Fifth Divisional Artillery. Subsequently he commanded the 14th Field Brigade. When peace came he was wearing the ribbons of the D.S.O. and M.C. and was in command of the 12th Australian Field Brigade. From 1919 until 1922 he was with the First Battery, Sydney.
He then left the army and became a grazier near Deniliquin. During recent years he had been a pastoralist at Derrinallum (Vic.), where he was a regular visitor to the Fairbairn and Street stations. He was called up for active service soon after the outbreak of war and was one of the most popular senior staff officers at Victoria Barracks.
His wife is an enthusiastic worker for the Australian Comforts fund.”
Francis had been on the plane as Army Liaison Officer in the General Staff, accompanying Sir Brudenell White to the War-Cabinet meeting in Canberra.
The Argus of Melbourne on Thursday 15th August 1940 on page 4 recorded his funeral notice: “STATE FUNERALS
THORNTHWAITE.—The Funeral of the late LIEUTENANT – COLONEL FRANCIS THORNTHWAITE, D.S.O., M.C., Staff Officer to the Chief of the General Staff will leave St. Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, THIS DAY (Thursday 15th August), after a service commencing at 11.45 a.m., for the Presbyterian Church, Lismore, where a service will be conducted by Rev. E. A. Forbes, at 3.30 p.m., after which the cortege will proceed to the Lismore Cemetery.”
The funeral was also described in the Mercury of Hobart on Thursday 15th August 1940 in page 1: “LAST SAD JOURNEY BEGINS Sequel To Air Crash At Canberra FUNERAL RITES TODAY CANBERRA, August 14. IN the dim lights of the Canberra railway station the bodies of victims of the tragic air crash yesterday were carried in flag-draped coffins aboard the mourning train on their last journey to Melbourne tonight. At one end of the long line of railway carriages gathered the Governor-General (Lord Gowrie, V.C.), Cabinet Ministers, and Parliamentarians, who were travelling to do the dead men honour at the State memorial service in Melbourne tomorrow. SPECIAL TRAIN LEAVES THERE was an impressive scene as each body, covered by a Union Jack, was carried from a tender to the train between a guard of honour of 50 men front the Royal Australian Air Force. The Governor-General and Lady Gowrie. Federal Ministers, and most members of Parliament, left Canberra by special train to attend the State funeral in Melbourne. The State memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, tomorrow will begin at 11.45 a.m., and conclude at 12.15 p.m. The service will be attended by vice-regal representatives, Federal Ministers, members of Parliament, and many other prominent persons. The Governor of Tasmania (Sir Ernest Clark) will be re-presented by Col. B. Sampson, of the Southern Command Headquarters Staff. To coincide with the Melbourne service, a memorial service will be held at St John’s Church, Canberra, tomorrow. Many members of the R.A.A.F. station at Canberra will attend, as well as Common-wealth officials. After the service the bodies of Brigadier Street and Lieut-Col. F; Thornthwaite will be conveyed by train from Princes Bridge Station to Lismore (V.) for burial.”
Following a service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, and another at the Lismore Presbyterian Church, Francis was buried in the Lismore Cemetery, Victoria.
Francis was also mentioned in a local newspaper, the Jerilderie Herald and Urana Advertiser of Thursday 15th August 1940 on page 2:
“THE LATE LIEUT-COLONEL THORNTHWAITE
Lieut.-Colonel Francis Thornthwaite D.S.O., M.C., was well known in this district. Shortly after the last war he acquired Marong, a grazing property near Conargo, and lived there until a few years ago, when he disposed of his interests and went to Victoria to reside. He was aged 50 years and had a distinguished military career in the Great War. He returned from civil life recently to become liaison officer between the Army administration and the Defence secretariat. He first took a commission as lieutenant in the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1910, and saw service during 1914-18 in Egypt, Gallipoli and Flanders, being twice wounded. He was adjutant to the 1st A.F.A. Brigade A.I.F. in 1915, and in 1918 he commanded the Fifth Divisional Ammunition Corps. Friends hereabouts will extend deepest sympathy to his widow in her tragic loss.”
In the article on him in the Camperdown Chronicle of Victoria on Thursday 15th August 1940 in page 1, it also mentioned: “He was a resident of Lismore and was a close friend and a neighbour of Brigadier Street. Mrs. Street and Mrs Thornthwaite are cousins.”
Francis has a memorial at Lismore Civil Cemetery looked after by CWGC with the grave reference Plot. Sec. A. Grave 10. It gives the details born 1891, aged 49, died 13th August 1940, Lieutenant-Colonel V159753 Francis Thornthwaite DSO MC, A.C.M.F. A.H.Q. and he was a son of William Wright Thornthwaite and Elizabeth Thornthwaite: husband of Inez Thornthwaite, of Derrinallum. Presbyterian. (The CWGC entry has an error with his mother’s first name).
The preliminary investigation revealed they were all dead before the plane burnt as recorded in the Argus of Melbourne on Tuesday 27th August 1940 in page 5:
“Canberra Air Crash
VICTIMS DEAD BEFORE FIRE
Doctor’s Evidence
CANBERRA, Monday.—Medical testimony that each of the 10 victims of the Canberra air tragedy on August 13 suffered fractured skulls and was dead before the wrecked R.A.A.F. bomber caught fire was given at the resumed in-quest today. Lieut.-Colonel J. T. H. Goodwin, coroner, found that the deaths resulted from the plane in which the 10 people were travelling crashing in a paddock on a hill a mile and three-quarters south-east of Canberra aerodrome. There was no evidence to enable him to determine the cause of the accident, he added. In the case of each victim the immediate cause of death was a fractured skull.
The victims, for all of whom there was evidence of identification, were:— Brigadier Street, Army Minister; Sir Henry Gullett, Vice-President of the Executive Council; Mr. Fairbairn, Air Minister; General Sir Brudenell White, Chief of the General Staff; Lt.-Col. Francis Thornthwaite, General Staff, Army Department; Mr. R. E. Elford, private secretary to Mr. Fairbairn; Flight-Lieutenant R. E. Hitchcock, Pilot-Officer R. F. Wiesener, Corporal J. F. Palmer, and Aircraftman C. J. Crosdale.
There were 47 exhibits to support evidence that these men were aboard the plane. In addition to the identification discs of members of the R.A.A.F. crew there were numerous personal identifiable articles with the victims. These included a partially charred military pass bearing the name of Lt.-Col. Thornthwaite, a gold cigarette case inscribed “To Sir Henry Gullett, K.C.M.G., with the esteem of the Staff of the Department of Information, 14/6/1940,” a gold signet ring and a Federal member’s gold pass belonging to Brigadier Street, a gold dress watch bearing the initials “J.V.F.,” and Mr. Fairbairn’s gold pass, the back of a wrist watch case on which was engraved “R. E. Elford, ‘The Argus,’ 1930-39,” a pair of silver hair brushes with a silver shield engraved “C.B.B.W.,” the initials of Gen. Sir Brudenell White.
TIMES WATCHES STOPPED
Times at which the watches stopped varied from 10.51 to 10.55, but a travelling clock found in the wreckage had stopped at 11.10. One of the exhibits was the remains of a string of rosary beads attached to which was a medal symbolic of St. Christopher, patron saint of travellers. Dr. Gordon Mackellar, medical superintendent of the Canberra Hospital said in evidence:— “All these people were killed as the result of fractured skulls. It is fairly safe to assume that their skulls were fractured as the plane hit the ground. It would definitely appear as though the men were dead before they were burned. This applies to the whole 10.”
Evidence of identification was given by Percy Thomas Hayter, private secretary to the Army Minister. He said that he identified Lieut.-Colonel Thornthwaite by portion of his khaki uniform and a key chain; Sir Brudenell White by his metal badge of rank, general features, and appearance; Brigadier Street by his gold signet ring and dental plate, Mr. Fairbairn by an old wound on his right arm, Sir Henry Gullett by his upper and lower dentures, and Mr. Elford by his general appearance and build. He identified keys produced as belonging to Brigadier Street, Lieut.-Colonel Thornthwaite, and Mr Elford. Since the crash he had tried them on locks these men had used. Flying-Officer R. C. Wilson, of the Canberra R.A.A.F. Depot, said that he saw the bomber travelling east to-ward Queanbeyan. His attention was distracted momentarily, and then he heard someone calling for the ambulance and fire tender, as the plane had “nosed in.” He thought the time of the crash was 10.51 a.m. He was the first on the scene. The machine was burning. He detailed men to search in front of the plane in case any occupants had been thrown clear, but none was found.
EYE-WITNESSES’ ACCOUNTS
Flight-Sergeant Clifford Linton Smith said that he saw the Hudson bomber arrive over the aerodrome about 10.45 a.m. The first time it circled the aero-drome it did not appear to be going to land. When he noticed it a second time it was flying over a low range of hills east of the aerodrome, and was preparing to land with the flaps down and the landing gear lowered. Suddenly the port wing dipped. The plane then made a complete roll and its nose pointed to the ground. He lost sight of the plane behind the hills, and just afterward saw smoke rising. Darcy Robert Vest, of Queanbeyan, managing agent for the Texas company, said that he was on the platform of Queanbeyan railway station when he first saw the plane approaching the aerodrome. It lost height rapidly. One wing dipped, and then the other, and it continued to zigzag downward until it hit the ground. Dudley Lawrence Lalor, builders’ manager, of Canberra, said that just before hitting the ground the plane appeared to flatten out. Addressing the coroner, Mr. J. M. Mills of the Commonwealth Crown Solicitor’s office, said that the men in the plane had all been accounted for. Exhibits showed these men were aboard, and other evidence of identification had been given. Just what caused the plane to fall the Crown Law authorities had not been able to ascertain. This was a highly technical matter and another tribunal would take it up. Replying to the coroner, Mr. Mills said there was a log of the plane, but it threw no light on the accident. It merely recorded that the plane was coming into the aerodrome.”
The results of the inquest into the crash were discussed in the Argus in Melbourne on Thursday 10th October 1940 in page 4:
“STALL BLAMED FOR CRASH
Canberra Tragedy
Probable causes of the Canberra air disaster on August 13 were stalling of the aircraft and consequent loss of control of it by the pilot at a height at which it was beyond his power to recover control, according to the report of Mr. Justice Lowe, Royal Commissioner, presented yesterday to Federal Cabinet.
Ten lives were lost in the crash, the victims being:— Brigadier Street, Army Minister; Sir Henry Gullett, Vice-President of Federal Executive Council; Mr. Fairbairn, Air Minister; General Sir Brudenell White, Chief of the General Staff; Lieut.-Colonel F. Thornthwaite; and Mr. R. E. Elford, and the crew of four.
Mr. Justice Lowe reported specifically that the plane, a Hudson aircraft operated by the R.A.A.F., was completely air-worthy and in the hands of a competent pilot; that no unauthorised person interfered with it; that it was adequately guarded; and that it was adequately maintained and inspected. He also reported that Flight Lieutenant Hitchcock, who was killed in the crash, had been adequately trained and was a competent pilot, and added: “All the evidence before me points to the conclusion that he alone piloted the aircraft on its journey from Essendon to Canberra.”
SAFETY FACTORS
The evidence, the report stated, did not enable the Royal Commissioner to say whether any special conditions, such as disturbance of wind due to the configuration of the hills near Canberra aerodrome, was the cause of the stalling which resulted in the crash. A rider to the report suggested the necessity of impressing on pilots the stalling characteristics of this type of aircraft and the necessity of approaching landing grounds with an ample safety factor of speed. “This,” the rider added, “is a warning which seems particularly advisable where the landing is to be made at an aerodrome surrounded by hills, the presence of which may set up air currents which may affect the equilibrium of the machine and raise the stalling speed.” Another rider to the report suggested that, where exigencies of the service permitted, it was advisable that pilots to be converted to this type of aircraft should have the widest background of experience, and should have had experience of other twin-engined machines. A third rider suggested the advisability of reconsidering whether the method of retracting flaps was sufficient. It pointed out that the hydraulic power which operated the flaps was transmitted by wire cables attached by a swayed joint to the appropriate fitting, which was different from the attachment in use in the R.A.F. The evidence suggested that it was not so efficient. The Royal Commission reported that the passengers and crew were killed outright in the crash or in the explosion and fire which immediately succeeded it. Referring to the delay in the start from Essendon aerodrome, when the machine turned into the wind for four or five minutes before taking off, the report said the delay was described as unusual, but no explanation of it was given. There was evidence that the port engine seemed to take several minutes before it was started. No one was seen to enter or leave the plane during the delay, and it eventually made a perfect take-off. The machine, according to the report, had been flown for 2 hours 35 minutes when it was handed over to the R.A.A.F., and its total service flying before setting out on the flight to Canberra was seven hours. On a previous flight to Canberra and back it had behaved normally, and no difficulties of any kind were experienced.
PILOT’S EXPERIENCE
Flight-Lieutenant Hitchcock, the pilot, had a total flying time of 1,211 hours 25 minutes, of which 107 hours were in Lockheed types of aircraft. He was described by his commanding officer as a “steady type of officer and a capable pilot,” and by the officer who converted him to Hudson aircraft as being “thorough and slightly above average.” Although the aircraft had dual control, and Pilot-Officer R. F. Wiesner was carried as second pilot, Mr. Justice Lowe reported that Flight-Lieutenant Hitchcock alone was capable of navigating the aircraft at all stages of the flight. Pilot Officer Wiesner, he said, was present merely for instructional purposes. Mr. Justice Lowe rejected a suggestion that the Hudson plane was on fire before crashing, and reported that it was improbable that the machine rolled on to its back before diving to the ground. He also thought it unlikely that the crash occurred through failure of an engine or from some structural defect, or the collapse of the pilot.”
In September 1940, Inez also lost her mother.
The construction of a memorial was discussed, as noted in the Argus on Saturday 12th October 1940 in page 2:
“MEMORIAL TO AIR CRASH VICTIMS
Mr. Curtin’s Ideas
CANBERRA, Friday. — The erection of a memorial to Sir Henry Gullett, Brigadier Street, and Mr. Fairbairn, the three Federal Ministers who were killed in recent Canberra air disaster, was suggested by Mr. Curtin, Federal Opposition leader, today. Such a memorial, he said, could be provided in a garden scheme to be included in the design of Canberra to commemorate notable Australians. In the same way as names of famous men and women were recorded in Westminster Abbey and Arlington Cemetery at Washington, the Canberra proposal, with avenues and garden nooks, would serve a similar purpose in Australia. Simple stone obelisks, mounted with plaques, Mr. Curtin said, could commemorate the work of Australia’s great men, of explorers, educationists, road and railway builders, trade union pioneers, and so on, and would be a permanent re-minder to the younger generation of the work of Australia’s builders.”
Wikipedia has a short discussion on the crash here – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940_Canberra_air_disaster , in which it discusses the possibility of someone else flying the plane other than the pilot, or the ability of the pilot as possible causes of the crash. The crash was not due to enemy action or sabotage and the Court of Inquiry found that stalling was the most likely cause. It includes pictures of the memorial that was done to remember the crash and the new addition. Each person on the plane is also mentioned in this publication link, which gives an outline of their lives – http://press-files.anu.edu.au/downloads/press/p263591/html/ch11.xhtml?referer=&page=17, with this page being on Francis.
In the files on the crash is a letter to the Adjutant RAAF which was a list and parcel of articles recovered from the scene of the place crash, which included “1 Cigarette case with initials “F.T.” engraved thereon. 1 Military Pass No. 913 ) Believed to have been the property of the late Col. Thornthwaite and forwarded to J.F. Strachan, C/o. Aitken, Walker & Strachan, 115 William St., Melb.” The files also contain descriptions of the crash from various witnesses, civilian and military, and their statements to the Commonwealth Police, and what they did after. The documents have a drawing of the plane crash (see below) and indicating where the bodies were and what was done with them. In the picture, an extract from one witness stated: “By 11.30 a.m. the four bodies described in drawing marked “1” had been placed in R.A.A.F. Ambulance, with my instructions to the driver to proceed to the Canberra morgue. Drawing marked “2” shows positions of the other six bodies, not shown in drawing “1” before being removed.” Papers also discuss how the people were identified. Francis was identified as “being the only other person in Military uniform”, according to the report. The results of the inquest to the crash were also included. The findings of the crash are also online at NAA and reflect the newspaper articles on it.
An inquest on the bodies found for Francis Thornthwaite that he was a male aged 50 and died on 13th August 1940 at Canberra of injuries received in an aeroplane crash on the same day. His occupation was grazier and he was not a pensioner. His usual place of residence was Lismore in Victoria, his place of birth was Launceston Tasmania, and he had lived all his life in Australia. He had married in London when he was 27 years old to Inez “Curry” and they had no living children, but the record stated they had no deceased children either (another error). His parents were listed as William Wright Thornthwaite, a Grazier and Fanny Stackhouse. It was signed by the Coroner. A report by a Federal Police Officer also concluded that the “immediate cause of the death was a fractured skull” and there was “no evidence to determine the cause of the accident.”
British newspapers also mentioned the crash and the inquest and also noted a memorial service was to be held at Westminster Abbey and that the King amongst others had sent an expression of sympathy to the Governor-General and Prime Minister.
In a set of documents at NAA titled “War Pension benefit for families of Late General Sir C.B.B.White and Late Col. F Thornthwaite” is a document stating that they “were both travelling on duty at the time of the accident in which they were killed.” That was on a request to establish if the Department of the Army was liable to pay compensation. In another document they were informed “that the widow of the late Lt.-Col. Thornthwaite has stated that she does not wish to apply for any pension in respect of the death of her husband.” Included was a copy of a letter she wrote saying “I do not wish to apply for any pension, so will do nothing further in the matter.” Payments were stopped to her after 20th September 1940.
On 14th September 1940, District Records in Melbourne sent the Repatriation Commission certified copies of some basic documents for Francis, which presumably they had requested. Oddly, there is a letter from the Repatriation Department to CARO, dated 18th November 1965, asking for the full service and medical documents of “Colonel Francis Thornthwaite AIF” who had made application to them “for benefits under Repatriation Act.” Forms were sent on 22nd November.
Francis had written a will on 4th February 1919, revoking all previous wills. At the time, he was living in Strathfield, near Sydney (late of Derrinallum in Victoria) and was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Australian Imperial Forces and was then on Active Military Service. He wanted all his expenses paid from his personal estate and the rest was to go to his wife Lorna Maud Inez Thornthwaite, who was also executrix. If she had not survived him, the estate was to go to his sister Alice Comber and brother, Ralph Thornthwaite. Inez was granted probate on 19th June 1941 with the estate valued at over £10000. The index card to his deceased estate file in New South Wales also recorded that date and listed his address as Derrinallum in Victoria. It also listed his occupation as Lieutenant-Colonel in the AIF.
Inez stated “It has always been a great comfort to me to know that he was doing something that gave him great satisfaction when he was killed, as he was so pleased when he got the appointment. My husband was a very quiet man. He loved country life, played an average game of golf, was a very good horseman, and was not keen at all on going on committees or taking part in local government, and took no part in the local RSL branches wherever we were living. He got on very well with the men he worked with apparently both in the army and also with the station hands. We had a lot of fun with our horses when we lived in the Riverina, as we used to ride them ourselves and enter them in the various picnic race meetings and had a lot of success. The Streets, the Jim Fairbairns and ourselves all lived within 10 miles of each other in the Western District and were constantly in and out of each others houses”. She went on to say “As to Frank’s view after war was declared, I can only say he was desperately worried at our unprepared state, he was violently anti-Communist, but as a trained and dedicated soldier he was so delighted to feel that he was not too old to get back into a good job again.” More tragedy hit Inez, when her mother passed away on 29th September 1940 at the age of 67.
On 28th June 1941, the solicitors (in Melbourne) for Inez, wrote to Base Records under her instruction to reply to the Stamp Commissioner of NSW who had made a requisition “Had deceased enlisted for active service abroad? If so, file certificate from the Military Authorities to this effect.” The reply from Base Records on 3rd July 1941, advised them that “he had not enlisted for Overseas Service.”
Inez was still at Larra at Derrinallum in the 1943 electoral roll. She did Red Cross work in Melbourne and managed ‘Larra’ until the end of the war. She said “The Victorian Government resumed all my land in 1947 for soldier settlement and I built this house in Ocean Grove where I have lived ever since.” She was crossed off the Corangamite electoral roll in 1949 with a hand-written comment about Queenscliff. On 20th February 1957, she left England on Himalaya in 1st Class, bound for Melbourne Australia. Her address in the UK was 76 Cadogan Place SW1. In the 1967 electoral roll, she was still living at Bowhill, Ocean Grove at Queenscliff. She was still there in the 1968, 1972, 1977 and 1980 rolls (with the address listed as 160 The Parade).
The form for his WW2 medals was filled out, showing F Thornthwaite V159753 was eligible for the 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal. The address listed was “Widow. Mrs LMI Thornthwaite, but the actual address in Victoria has been crossed out (it says ‘Larra’ Derrinallum Vic.). A stamp on the form says deceased. A handwritten note says the War Medal was posted on 11th November 1953, but returned unclaimed on 16th November 1953.
There are some files for him at National Archives Australia, which are not examined yet, or are open but not online. They include: 36/THORNTHWAITE FRANCIS, M106382, 707/6 PART 82, 12/11/3928, 1102/2/137, S2796 and O154/1/32. To see their full titles search with just his surname.
Francis is listed with Commonwealth War Graves and is buried in Lismore Civil Cemetery. It also records Index No AUS 396 and states “Lismore is 107 miles South-West of Melbourne. The cemetery is in Cemetery Road, a mile from the post office.” The entry reads: “THORNTHWAITE, Lt.-Col. FRANCIS V.159753, D.S.O., M.C. A.C.M.F. AH.Q. Australian Headquarters, 13th August, 1940. Age 49. Son of William Wright Thornthwaite and Elizabeth Thornthwaite; husband of Inez Thornthwaite, of Derrinallum. Presbyterian Plot. Sec. A Grave 10.” (Error with his mother’s first name). His death was listed at Capital Hill, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
Inez died in 1992 and is buried in the same grave in Lismore Cemetery Victoria with Francis, beside other family. Francis also has a memorial plaque at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
Family Graves at Lismore Victoria.
His medals are Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with oak leaf, Croix de Guerre (France), 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal. (The Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum does not have the last two medals.)
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
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